PRRD ‘right’ with claim on improved Edsa traffic: Palace

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte gave the “right information” that the government has been able to solve the traffic congestion along Edsa, the main and busiest thoroughfare in Metro Manila, Malacañang said on Thursday.

This, after Duterte said his administration’s promise to decongest Edsa has already been fulfilled.

“Tama ang impormasyon ni Presidente (The President has the right information),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press conference.

In an exclusive interview with SMNI aired Tuesday night, Duterte said the traffic flow along Edsa has eased.

Duterte said the government had used the grants to improve the transport infrastructure in the country’s metropolis.

As a proof that the traffic situation along Edsa has already improved, Duterte cited that the travel time between Cubao and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City now just takes 15 minutes.

Roque said Duterte’s remarks are not based on hearsay.

He attributed the improved traffic along Edsa to the government’s infrastructure projects.

“Hindi po haka-haka iyan (That’s not a speculation. That is based on a business decision and that is based on projections and actual facts now na mas maraming dumadaan na ngayon, nagkakaroon ng (that vehicles are having) alternative route to the north and to the south not having to pass through Edsa,” he said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said the traffic situation along Edsa is now more organized, noting that there are currently suitable areas for loading and unloading of passengers and that the travel time of commuters has become faster.

The Duterte government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program is seen as a solution to address the traffic congestion in Metro Manila.